When buying a new air-conditioner, consumers should consider units with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which refers to the unit’s cooling efficiency.

The aircon unit’s cooling capacity should also be proportional to the room it is cooling.

To save energy, always keep the aircon filter and condenser unit clean, and keep doors and windows closed when the unit is operating.

A high Energy Efficiency Factor (EEF) should also be keyed in when purchasing refrigerators and freezers. A high energy efficiency rating translates to lower energy consumption.

DOE reminds the public to defrost refs and freezers regularly as more than one-fourth inch ice build-up of frost puts up an extra load on a unit’s compressor motor.

For fluorescent lamps, the energy label indicates light output in lumens, power consumption, lamp efficacy and average life.

Fluorescent lights should also be cleaned regularly as accumulated dust and dirt can decrease the illumination of lights.

Television sets should be turned off with its plug removed when not in use.

TVs in standby mode still consumes electricity.

When buying a gas range or oven, DOE advises to choose one with an automatic (electronic) ignition system.

Using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking will also save more energy than an electric stove.

DOE also warned the public on false claims of some companies involving efficient energy consumption.

“We do acknowledge the inventors’ ingenuity in coming up with such energy-saving devices but we hope their products are really energy-savers so we can help the people reduce their energy consumption and thus save money, particularly at this time when the supply and cost of electricity have stirred public concern,” DOE Undersecretary Loreta Ayson said.

“The government continues to monitor the energy performance of appliances and lighting products covered by the energy standards and labelling program through laboratory tests,” she added.